With the use
of appropriate strategies, social media can be a great tool we employ in
our classrooms. Implementing social media in our classrooms is not so different
than teaching strategies for literacy and numeracy. Teachers need to model and
set guidelines and success criteria for students to follow when using social
media in the classroom. Imagine not
giving students the strategies and guidance needed for writing an autobiography,
or working in a Science lab. Wouldn’t that lead to disaster too?
Many schools
are embracing BYOD policies and including Digital Citizenship as part of their
code of conduct for students. YouTube videos, Screenr videos and, audio
recordings are becoming part of many classroom lessons and tasks. Using a
Flipped Classroom approach provides teachers and their students with access to
a variety of resources and tools that support 21st Century learning.
Rather than resisting these new experiences, we need to remember that there is
a learning process and transition for teachers and students, and most
importantly parents need to be involved and understand the expectations.
Teachers
have access to a wide range of tools for 21st Century learning. Students can follow their teachers on
twitter, principals are setting up twitter accounts to tweet about school
events, blogs allow students to comment and reflect on their learning, and
social bookmarking and file-sharing enable easy access to resources and
content. Even the vision for school
libraries tends to integrate more technology based research and reading. I Pads, netbooks, and portable devices are
changing how the space is used, focusing more on collaboration and creativity
than silence.
Assistive
technology is often recommended for students identified with a learning
disability. However, technology and social media can reduce the stigma of
requiring special resources when all or most students are using computers or
personal devices. For example, quiet students who may not participate much in
class discussions may participate much more by posting comments on a classroom
blog.
Resistance
to new technology and teaching methods often stems from fear or
misunderstanding. However, it is also more important than ever to embrace and
utilize technology and social media in our schools. With proper Care, Integrity, and Commitment
to Students and Student Learning, the benefits of 21st
Learning definitely outweigh any risks.
